You may keep cooking grease out of your sink and remove hair from the shower drain to prevent clogs. However, there are some other surprising items that can cause major plumbing issues. Here are a few that you wouldn’t expect to cause clogged drains. 

Items to Keep out of Your Drains 

1. Starchy Foods

You might be in the habit of putting your food scraps in the garbage disposal; however, some foods can cause issues in the drain. Specifically, starchy vegetables, like onion skins, potatoes, corn, and asparagus, can expand in the disposal and get caught in the blades. This prevents the disposal from breaking up other foods and causes a clogged drain issue. Place starchy foods in the garbage rather than in the disposal. 

2. Cat Litter

When scooping your cat’s litter box, it may be easier to flush the excess litter and waste down the toilet. However, this habit can have consequences for your plumbing. Kitty litter naturally clumps, so it can bind together in the pipes, causing the drain to clog. To prevent this issue, always place your cat litter in a bag and dispose of it in the garbage. 

3. Wipes

The packaging on your baby wipes might say flushable, but that doesn’t mean they really are. Unlike toilet paper, wipes do not dissolve easily in water. Rather, they can bunch together and cause a blockage. Plumbers frequently spend time—sometimes hours—fishing out clumps of wipes. Instead, always place facial and baby wipes in the trash.

If you have a clogged drain, contact Empire Heating & Air Conditioning. Located in Monroe County, NY, these professionals offer HVAC and plumbing services to keep your home running smoothly. Whether your sink is clogged or your air conditioning unit needs repairs, you can expect friendly and efficient service. To learn more about how they can help you fix a clogged drain, visit them online. Schedule an appointment with a technician or plumber by calling (585) 325-6768.